This bill creates a program to cover high school equivalency exam fees for low-income individuals in New Jersey. It requires the State Board of Education to establish the program within six months, defining "low-income" as household income at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines. The program will pay for one exam per person, with applicants needing to verify income through specified documentation. It directs 5% of the Workforce Development Partnership Fund to support this initiative, but does not change existing fee structures or eligibility for other programs.
This bill requires New Jersey public school districts to post detailed curriculum plans online for each grade level and course at least 30 days before the school year starts. It mandates that districts include units of study, learning objectives, and specific textbook/material information on their websites, with updates whenever plans change. Parents and legal guardians must be given the opportunity to review all instructional materials before they are used in classrooms. The law aims to increase transparency by making curriculum details and materials accessible to families ahead of instruction.
S 923 establishes a $5 million grant program to expand dual enrollment in career and technical education (CTE) for high school students. Public colleges and universities in New Jersey can apply for grants to offer college-level CTE courses on their campuses or in high schools, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school. The program requires competitive applications detailing institutional capacity, student participation plans, and long-term sustainability, with the Secretary of Higher Education reporting annually on program impact and workforce effects. This directly affects high school students seeking early college credit in career fields and public higher education institutions receiving funding.
This bill establishes a three-year Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program for high school students in New Jersey, appropriating $5 million from the General Fund. It provides grants to school districts to develop or expand career and technical education programs, acquire equipment/facilities, and train instructors. Five school districts per region (southern, central, northern) will be selected to participate, with all grantees required to submit annual impact reports. The program aims to strengthen vocational pathways for high school students through targeted school district support.
S 2795 prohibits New Jersey public school districts from denying students admittance due to tardiness or violations of dress code or uniform policies, directly affecting all K-12 students in the state. The bill specifically allows schools to deny entry only for clothing indicating gang affiliation with criminal activity. It clarifies that schools may still enforce other conduct policies not covered by this law, such as safety-related disciplinary actions. The legislation applies to all public schools adopting dress codes under existing law (P.L.1996, c.93), ensuring students cannot be excluded for minor policy violations unrelated to safety.
This bill requires New Jersey public school districts with grades 9-12 to integrate bleed control instruction into their existing health and physical education curriculum, as part of the state's Comprehensive Health and Physical Education standards. It directly affects high school students by adding practical skills for managing severe bleeding injuries. School districts may choose free, non-certification training programs to meet this requirement. The law takes effect immediately, with implementation beginning in the first full school year after enactment. This is a concrete curriculum change focused on student safety, not a broader policy or commentary.
This bill (S 799) allows high school students aged 16 or older in 12th grade to enroll in career certificate program courses at New Jersey county colleges, provided they are state residents, maintain good academic standing, and have principal approval. It removes the requirement for students to hold a State-endorsed diploma or have passed the GED to take these courses. County colleges must permit enrollment if space is available but are not required to waive existing course prerequisites or application procedures. The bill directly affects eligible high school students seeking career-focused college credits.
This bill would allow New Jersey teachers and school aides to deduct up to $250 annually from their state taxes for unreimbursed classroom supply expenses. Eligible educators include K-12 teachers, counselors, principals, and paraprofessionals (like classroom aides) who work at least 900 hours yearly in public or private New Jersey schools. The deduction covers books, computers, software, and teaching materials, but excludes health/physical education supplies. It mirrors a federal tax provision and applies to taxable years starting after enactment. The bill directly affects qualifying school staff by reducing their state tax burden for essential classroom costs.
This bill establishes a four-year summer pilot program for rising kindergarten students in New Jersey who meet specific eligibility criteria. It targets low-income students (family income at or below 85% of state median) and those who did not attend full-year preschool, need academic support, or belong to priority groups like English language learners or homeless children. Participating school districts must offer a six-week summer program focused on language, literacy, and math, plus family support resources. The program will be funded through a new state education fund, with participating districts required to report on outcomes to determine potential expansion.
This bill clarifies that students who have already earned an associate degree, college credits, or completed a dual degree program in high school remain eligible for New Jersey's Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) grants and campus-based programs, provided they meet all other standard requirements like residency, full-time enrollment, and financial need. It specifically removes barriers that previously might have excluded these students from receiving EOF assistance. The change ensures these students can access grant funding and campus programs at any New Jersey higher education institution without being disqualified due to prior academic achievements. The bill takes effect immediately for the next full academic year.
